Cheslie Kryst Cause of Death: The Painful Reality of High-Functioning Depression

On a crisp Sunday morning in January 2022, the world woke up to news that felt, honestly, impossible. Cheslie Kryst—the 30-year-old attorney, Emmy-nominated Extra correspondent, and former Miss USA—was gone.

She was the woman who seemed to have it all. She had a law degree and an MBA. She possessed a smile that could literally light up a television studio. She was a Division I athlete.

But behind the highlight reel, Cheslie was fighting a battle that most people in her life didn't even realize was happening. When the headlines first broke, the details were sparse and chilling. She had fallen from the 29th floor of the Orion building, a luxury high-rise in Midtown Manhattan.

Cheslie Kryst Cause of Death: The Official Findings

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner didn't take long to release the official report. By Monday, February 1, 2022, they confirmed that the Cheslie Kryst cause of death was suicide. Specifically, the autopsy cited "multiple blunt impact injuries" as the physical cause. It’s a clinical, cold phrase for such a vibrant life.

But the physical "how" wasn't what haunted people. It was the "why." How does someone who spends her days interviewing A-list celebrities and advocating for social justice reach a point where they feel there’s no other way out?

Her mother, April Simpkins, eventually provided the context that the coroner's report couldn't. Cheslie wasn't just "sad." She was dealing with high-functioning depression—a condition that allows a person to maintain a veneer of perfection while they are crumbling inside.

The "Hidden" Struggle of High-Functioning Depression

Most people think of depression as an inability to get out of bed. They think of messy rooms and missed work. Cheslie was the opposite. She was a "high-achiever" to her core.

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She wasn't just surviving; she was thriving in the eyes of the public. But that’s the trap of high-functioning depression (often called dysthymia in clinical circles). You perform. You smile. You win Miss USA.

You do all of it while a "crushing weight of persistent sadness" follows you into every room. Those are actually her words. In a devastating final text message to her mother, Cheslie wrote that she could no longer bear the "hopelessness and loneliness" that had become her daily reality.

The Final Text: A Mother’s Perspective

April Simpkins has since become a vocal advocate for mental health, often sharing the details of that final morning. She received the text shortly before Cheslie died.

In that message, Cheslie apologized. She told her mother that she was her best friend and the person she lived for, but she just couldn't stay any longer. She admitted she had hidden her feelings because she didn't want anyone to worry.

She had even practiced what her mother calls "compartmentalization." Cheslie would go to work, be the life of the party, and then go home to a dark room where she "cried until her face was swollen."

It’s a terrifying reminder that "checking in" on your strong friends isn't just a cliché. Sometimes, the people who look the most "together" are the ones closest to the edge.

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Why the Public Was So Caught Off Guard

Cheslie was an advocate. She spoke openly about seeing a counselor. She talked about the importance of "unplugging" and setting boundaries.

Because she was so vocal about mental health, many people assumed she was "handling" it. But advocacy isn't a cure. Knowing the tools doesn't always mean you can use them when the darkness gets too thick.

There was also the factor of her age. In an essay for Allure published about a year before her death, Cheslie wrote about the pressure of turning 30. She felt like she was "running out of time to matter" in a society that prizes youth above all else.

It’s a sentiment that resonates with a lot of high-achieving women. The feeling that you have to keep leveling up, keep winning, or you’ll lose your value.

The Legacy of "By the Time You Read This"

Cheslie didn't leave the world without a voice. Before she died, she finished a manuscript. Her mother fulfilled her final wish by publishing it in 2024.

The book, By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie’s Smile and Mental Illness, is a raw look at her internal world. It covers everything from the racism she faced in the pageant circuit to her deep-seated insecurities about her own worth.

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It’s not an easy read, but it’s an essential one. It bridges the gap between the Miss USA we saw on TV and the woman who was just "tired."

Real Signs to Look For (E-E-A-T Perspective)

If you’re reading this because you’re worried about yourself or someone else, understand that high-functioning depression doesn't always look like a crisis. Experts at organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) point out a few "quiet" signs:

1. Over-achievement as a shield: Using work or success to prove you’re "fine."
2. Irritability over sadness: Sometimes the "low" manifests as being short-tempered or constantly frustrated rather than tearful.
3. The "Social Hangover": Being incredibly "on" during events, only to crash into total isolation immediately afterward.
4. Persistent Fatigue: No amount of sleep makes the person feel rested because the exhaustion is emotional.

Taking Action: What We Can Actually Do

The Cheslie Kryst cause of death shouldn't just be a tragic trivia fact. It’s a call to action. We have to change how we talk about "success."

If you are feeling like Cheslie did—like you’re performing a role while your soul is exhausted—please know that the "mask" doesn't have to stay on.

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: In the U.S., you can call or text 988 anytime. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
• Find a therapist who understands HFD: Not all therapy is created equal. Look for practitioners who specialize in "high-functioning" individuals or "perfectionism."
• Be the "Safe Space": Tell your friends, "I don't need you to be 'on' with me. You can be messy. You can be sad. I’m still here."

Cheslie's mother says that her daughter "fought a hard fight against depression." She stayed as long as she could. The best way to honor her isn't just by remembering her beauty or her titles, but by making it okay for the "strong" people in our lives to finally put their bags down and say they’re not okay.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help immediately. You can call or text 988 in the US and Canada, or call 111 in the UK.

Next Steps for You:
If you want to support mental health advocacy in Cheslie's name, you can look into the Cheslie C. Kryst Foundation, which works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide resources for those struggling with similar "invisible" battles. Alternatively, picking up a copy of her book can provide a much deeper, more personal understanding of her journey than any news article ever could.